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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Matt Anslow, Assistant Fire Chief
Mike Kaufman, Assistant Fire Chief
Jim Birchall, Chief Public Facilities Officer
DATE: August 6, 2024
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute an agreement with Leopardo Construction of Hoffman Estates, IL in the amount of $3,923,750 with a 10% contingency for Construction Manager Services of the three Fire Stations.
PURPOSE:
Authorizing the execution of a contract to commence construction manager services of three Fire Stations. Executing the building of these stations will provide reduced response times, therefore providing greater protection of life and property to the citizens of Aurora. In addition, the move into more modern stations eliminates the increasing cost of maintaining and repairing older, outdated stations.
BACKGROUND:
In 2021, the Aurora Fire Department (AFD) hired a consultant to conduct a Fire Station Location Analysis to establish optimal locations for the planned additional fire station, and relocation of two (2) stations, required to effectively meet fire and EMS service demand due to the continued growth and development of the city. The study determined it would be in the best interest of the public and the Fire Department to construct a new Station #13 and relocate Stations #9 and #4. Following Council approval, a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the relocations and new buildings was submitted and approved. Staff released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on May 15, 2022, for architectural services and began looking for property. The acquisition of property for Station #9 was approved on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 (O23-056)..
DISCUSSION:
In 2023 the City began work with both architectural companies to develop plans for the three Fire Stations. As the programming and schematic design is nearing completion, a construction management firm is now required to begin work on the sites. In March 2023, the City advertised the work and received statements of qualifications from nine firms. Staff reviewed these proposals and interviewed the top three.
After the interviews and internal discussion, staff determined it would be best to select one firm to be the Construction Manager and Leopardo Construction Inc. was selected to move forward.
During the interview process, Leopardo provided knowledgeable and comprehensive responses to the questions provided. Leopardo Construction was prepared to discuss the specifics and details of the City's project and how they can help us. Leopardo also understood the specific purposes of the designs and the objectives of the staff team. We’ve had successful projects with Leopardo and the City of Aurora.
Leopardo Construction has experience with both architects, in current and previous municipal projects.
During the interview process, Leopardo's ability to commit and allocate resources immediately to the three construction sites was evident. Effective and efficient coordination of the three sites and the three fire station projects will be essential in completing the construction process on time and within budget.
The Fire Station buildout will include a new Fire Station 13 as well as relocation of Station 4 and Station 9. Station 4 will include new Fire Administration space, Emergency Management Agency space, an Emergency Operation Center and the fire station itself.
This agreement will allow the City to start the construction phase of the fire station expansion.
Funding will come from account #355-3033-422-72.35 using project codes C012 for Station13, C013 for Station 9, and C135 for Station 4.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Completion of the three Fire Stations will allow the Fire Department to continue to offer outstanding fire protection to the citizens and visitors within the City. This will include lower response times for Fire and EMS services in the City.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request that this resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute an agreement with Leopardo Construction, Inc. of Hoffman Estates, IL in the amount of $3,923,750 with a 10% contingency for the construction of three new Fire Stations
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, multiple steps have been taking place over the years to select the appropriate location for the Fire Stations and working with architects to design functional stations that will allow the Fire Department and AEMA grow and improve response times for the residents of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, in March 2024 the City advertised for construction management services for the Fire Stations; and
WHEREAS, nine submissions were received, evaluated and the City selected Leopardo Construction, Inc. to move forward; and
WHEREAS, Funds for these Stations will come from account 355-3033-422.72.35 with project codes C012, C013, C135.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute an agreement with Leopardo Construction, Inc. of Hoffman Estates, IL in the amount $3,923,750 with a 10% contingency for Construction Manager Services of the three fire stations.